Three-Section PSA Oxygen Production for Low-Pressure High Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing pure oxygen for gas cutting processes are inefficient, costly, and unsafe due to high pressure requirements and the use of compressed cryogenic oxygen, leading to high material and labor consumption.
Innovation Solution
A mobile PSA oxygen production device utilizing a three-section PSA system with specific adsorbent beds and enhanced PSA steps to produce high-purity oxygen efficiently and safely, reducing pressure requirements and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic device with high pressure compression is used to produce pure oxygen, then oxygen purity is achieved, but safety deteriorates and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three independent PSA sections (first, second, and third sections) with different pressure levels (0.18-0.22 MPa, 0.9-1.2 MPa, and 0.9-1.2 MPa respectively). Each section performs specific separation functions, with the first section removing water and CO2, the second section producing oxygen-enriched gas, and the third section producing high-purity oxygen. This segmentation allows the system to achieve oxygen purity without requiring dangerous high-pressure compression of pure oxygen, thereby improving safety while maintaining manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic device with high pressure compression is used to produce pure oxygen, then oxygen purity is achieved, but cost deteriorates due to high material and labor consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Each PSA section operates through periodic cycles of adsorption and desorption. The adsorption towers sequentially undergo PSA steps (adsorption A, pressure-equalizing drop ED, backward discharge BD, pressure-equalizing rise ER, and final pressure rise FR). This periodic action allows continuous oxygen production while efficiently utilizing the adsorbent beds, reducing energy consumption and operational costs compared to continuous high-pressure compression systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in pressure parameters across different sections to achieve separation. The first PSA section operates at low pressure (0.18-0.22 MPa), the second at medium pressure (0.9-1.2 MPa), and the third at medium pressure (0.9-1.2 MPa). By changing pressure parameters rather than maintaining constantly high pressure, the system reduces energy consumption and operational costs while achieving the required oxygen purity.
3Power
If high pressure oxygen storage is used, then oxygen delivery capability is improved, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen production system is segmented into three pressure levels, with the final oxygen product delivered at moderate pressure (0.9-1.2 MPa) rather than extremely high pressure. This segmentation allows sufficient oxygen delivery capability for gas cutting applications while avoiding the safety hazards associated with storing and transporting highly compressed oxygen in steel cylinders.
4Reliability
If mobile PSA device is designed for low pressure operation, then safety is improved, but oxygen delivery capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes parameter changes across three sections, with pressure increasing from the first section (0.18-0.22 MPa) to the second (0.9-1.2 MPa) and maintained in the third (0.9-1.2 MPa). This gradual parameter change allows the mobile device to achieve sufficient oxygen delivery capability at moderate pressures, improving safety while maintaining adequate power for industrial applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves high-purity oxygen production with a maximum pressure of 1.2 MPa, significantly reducing costs and improving safety while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
most of gaseous water in the raw air is adsorbed by the desiccant bed
Implementation Method 2
most of oxygen is adsorbed by the velocity-selective adsorbent bed
Implementation Method 3
most of nitrogen is adsorbed by the nitrogen balance-selective adsorbent bed
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for a mobile pressure swing adsorption oxygen production device, comprising a first PSA section, a second PSA section and a third PSA section which are operated in series; the first PSA section adsorbs oxygen in raw air by a velocity-selective adsorbent; the second PSA section adsorbs nitrogen etc. in desorption gas of the first PSA section by a nitrogen balance-selective adsorbent; the third PSA section removes nitrogen from oxygen-rich gas flowing out of the second PSA section; the first PSA section sequentially undergoes at least adsorption A and vacuumizing VC in one cycle; the second PSA section sequentially undergoes at least adsorption A, pressure-equalizing drop ED, backward discharge BD and pressure-equalizing rise ER; and the third PSA section sequentially undergoes at least adsorption A, pressure-equalizing drop ED, backward discharge BD and pressure-equalizing rise ER.